Combination rudder and propeller drive assembly



5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR April 5, 1966 F. M. YARBROUGH COMBINATION RUDDER AND PROPELLER DRIVE ASSEMBLY Filed July 12, 1965 fi/mer N 'Varbmugh BY 5%, k, 1 ATTURNEYS'.

COMBINATION RUDDER AND PROPELLER DRIVE ASSEMBLY Filed July 12, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR /C/7/7/" /Z Yarbrough BY AT/URN 5.

April 5, 1966 F. M.'YARBROUGH 3,244,135

COMBINATION RUDDER AND PROPELLER DRIVE ASSEMBLY 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 12, 19 65 hm wm Qm Nut uh m 1 7/ fl/ k #m wm :1: wk @m *w *3 1 m Hm o wm f g *5 QNN .1 o 0 mm I 0 6 2 o is in. Q Q mm fi w. Q, s E

INVENTOR fnner f2 yarb/"oug/y BY AFB/WE .5.

April 5, 1966 M. YARBROUGH COMBINATION RUDDER AND PROPELLER DRIVE ASSEMBLY Filed July 12, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR fnner /7. yarbroug/v BY W @447 A7TURNE 5.

United States Patent 3,244,136 COMBINATION RUDDER AND PROPELLER DRIVE ASSEMBLY Fenner M. Yarbrough, P.0. Box 1566, Eustis, Fla. Filed July 12, 1965, Ser. No. 471,280 7 Claims. (Cl. 115-25 This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending patent application Serial No. 374,597 filed June 12, 1964. The present invention involves improvements over the combination rudder and propeller drive assembly described in that patent.

The present invention, like that described in my patent application, Serial No. 374,597, concerns a rudder and propeller drive assembly embodied in a single unitary construction.

One object of the present invention is to provide a propelling and steering means for a vehicle which is adapted for mounting on the stern or transom of a boat such as, for example, a rowboat, whereby the boat may be readily and conveniently propelled and steered through a body of water without the necessity of using oars, and without the use of an outboard motor or engine.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a boat-propelling and steering mechanism which is propelled through the turning of foot pedals and steered through the movement of the users thighs, whereby the hands and arms of the user are free to engage in hunting or fishing activities.

This invention has, as a still further object thereof, the provision of the propeller and steering mechanism for a boat which may be folded to form a compact unit whereby the same may be easily transported and stored in such a manner as to occupy but a minimum of space, and which may be quickly and easily connected with the transom of a boat and supported on the bottom wall thereof without the use of tools or the exertion of an extreme amount of physical labor.

This invention has, as still another object thereof, the provision of a combination propeller and drive assembly for a boat which will permit the operator to work the drive for the propeller while occupying a rear seat in the boat and while looking forward, thereby facilitating the navigation of the boat in that the operator may steer and propel the same into narrow quarters in a relatively unobtrusive and soundless manner which is of particular importance to a fisherman and to hunters of fowl.

This invention contemplates, as a still further object thereof, the provision of a combination rudder and propeller drive assembly essentially of a unitary structure which may be readily installed and removed from a boat without difficulty, and which is sufficiently light in weight for easy carrying and transporting.

It is further contemplated, as another object of this invention, to provide a combination rudder and propeller drive assembly which is non-complex in construction and assembly, inexpensive to manufacture, and which is durable in use.

Still other objects are to provide a combination rudder and propeller drive assembly as described, with improved means for adjusting and locking in place the seat of the assembly, with an improved articulated structure for folding the assembly to compact size, with improved adjustable leg supports, with improved clamping means for mounting the assembly on the stern of a boat, and with other refinements and improvements in structure to facilitate installation, operation, removal, collapsing to compact size, and transportation or carrying in collapsed condition.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying draw- 3,244,136 Patented Apr. 5, 1966 ICC ings and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective side and top view of a combination rudder and propeller drive assembly shown in expanded position installed in a boat, the boat being shown partially in section,

FIG. 2 is an enlarged bottom plan view of part of the assembly,

FIG. 3 is a somewhat enlarged perspective view similar to FIG. 1, with the assembly shown partially collapsed,

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged side view of the assembly shown in fully collapsed condition,

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views taken on lines 55 and 6-6 of FIG. 1, and

FIG. 7 is a further enlarged bottom plan view similar to a portion of FIG. 2, taken partially in horizontal section and showing details of the seat adjustment and locking structure.

Referring to the drawing, the assembly 10 includes an elongated articulated frame 12 having a rear, rigid frame section 14 and a forward or front frame section 16; see FIG. 1. The rear frame section is generally rectangular in form with two long parallel, longitudinally extending angle bars 18 joined by an integral cross bar 19. The rear end of section 14 is offset from the plane of the bars 18, 19 and terminates in two rearwardly extending, horizontally spaced, vertical frame plates 20, 21. A series of notches or serrations 24 are formed on rear portions of inner edges of horizontal flanges 25 of bars 18; see FIGS. 2 and 7.

The forward frame section 16 includes two generally L-shaped bars 28 having short arms 29 pivotally joined by pin 30 to front extensions 32 of bars 18. The bars 28 carry and are secured to a gear box 32 which supports a pedal assembly 33. The gear box forms part of frame section 16. It has cross bars 34 and 36 at opposite ends; see FIG. 6. Two fingers 38 at ends of the frame section 16 extend forwardly and engage a pin 40 on which is pivotally supported L-shaped legs 42. The legs are integrally joined by a cross bar 44. The legs can be pivoted clockwise and the frame section 16 can be pivoted counterclockwise, as viewed in FIG. 1, to position the forward frame section 16 on the rear section 14.

The pedal assembly 33 has a pair of foot pedals 48 rotatably mounted on crank bars 59 supported on a cross shaft 52 journalled in gear box 32; see FIG. 6. Shaft 52 carries a large spur gear 53 engaged with a smaller gear 54 mounted on cross shaft 56. On shaft 56 is a bevel gear 58 meshed with a bevel gear 59 supported on a stub shaft 60 journalled in a bracket 62. The bracket is attached to one side of the gear box frame. A flexible shaft housing 64 having a flexible rotatable core 66 extends through a hole in cross bar 36 defining a rear wall .of the gear box 32. The core 66 terminates at a coupling 70 secured to the rear end of stub shaft 60. When the pedals are turned with the crank bars, flexible core 66 is rotated via the gear train 53, 54, 58 and 59.

The rear frame section 14 is formed with two pairs of cylindrical internally threaded bosses 74 and 76 spaced apart. Bosses 74 are located at the forward end of frame section 14 and bosses 76 are spaced a short distance rearwardly of bosses 74; FIG. 1. A pair of rods 75 threaded at their upper ends can be screwed into bosses 74 or 76 to serve as legs for supporting the forward end of the rear section, while the front legs 42 support the front section 16. The legs 75 will rest on a horizontal seat S of boat B. If the seat is located further to the rear, the legs 75 will be inserted into bosses 76. The legs 42 will rest on the bottom BT of the boat. These legs are spaced inwardly of the pedals and pedal cranks so as to permit free turning thereof.

The core 66 along with housing 64 extends rearwardly under frame sect-ion 14 as shown clearly in FIGS. 1 and 2. The core and housing extends through a cylindrical sleeve 80 secured at the outer apical end of a generally V shaped link 82. Sleeve 88 rotatably supports a hollow shaft "84 in axial alignment therewith. The lower end or part 85 of shaft 84 is turned at right angle to the axis of the upper portion 86 of shaft 84-; see FIG. 1. Part 85 of the shaft is immersed in water when the assembly is installed in a boat. Propeller vanes 88 are attached to a coupling member 89. Core 66 is connected to member 89 so that when the core turns the propeller vanes turn with it. The shaft '84 is rotatable axially in sleeve 80 so that upper portion 86 can turn on its axis. The lower portion 85 of shaft 84 carries a rudder 90. Rotation of shaft 84 causes rotation of rudder 90 which is integrally joined to the shaft.

At the upperend of shaft '84 is a pulley 92 on which is positively engaged a flexible drive cable 94. This cable extends through two flexible housings 96' attached at theiropen ends to fitting 82. The forward ends of housing- 96 are secured to clamp brackets 98 which are part of bracket 106, see FIG. 2. The cable 94 extends around a large pulley 102. It is grooved to receive the cable 94, the cable ends being fastened to the front part of the pulley. A 'short vertical shaft 104 is secured to the pulley. The shaft extends upwardly through a stationary bracket 186 in which the shaft is rotatably journalled. Bracket 106 is fastened to the bottom of seat member 153 with a spacer of sufficient thickness to prevent binding on frame base 18 when seat is moved and of sufficient length to prevent side motion of seat. Bracket 106, except for the spacer lug, is wider than the space between frame base 18 so to prevent the front of seat from raising up. The cross plate 160 does the same for the rear part of the seat. Since bracket 106 is fastened to the seat and moves with it, the steering mechanism is always spaced the same distance from the operator regardless of the seat position. Shaft 184 extends just above the frame bars 18 where a horizontal lever 11(l is connected to the shaft. A verticallevcr 112 is pivotally joined to the forward end of horizontal lever 110. Levers 112, and 110 and 112 can be moved laterally to one side or the other by movement of the knees and thighs of the operator of the assembly while his hands remain free for other operations and activities, such as manipulating a fishing line. It will. be apparent that when the levers 119, 112 are moved laterally, shaft 104 turns in one direction or another. Cable 94 entrained on pulleys is advanced and shaft 84 is correspondingly turned. The fixed rudder 90 turns with shaft 84 and the boat is thus steered in the water.

The V-shaped link 82 has straight parallel leg portions 120 pivotally secured by bolts 122 to plates '20, 21. A hole 124 is provided in, each of plates 20; 21 forreceiving a locking pin 125; see FIGS. 1, 2 and 5. This pin is slidably mounted in a. cylindrical cup-shaped housing 126 secured to one of the leg portions 120 of link 82. A coil spring 128 is mounted on pin 125 and one end of the spring bears on enlarged portion 130 of the pin. The free end 125' of pin 125 extends into hole 124. The other end of the spring bears on apertured, flanged end 132 ofhousing 126. Pin 125 extends through the housing end132. An annular washer 133 is freely mounted on the pin and a nut 134 is engaged on the pin. The washer can be grasped for pulling the pin 125 axially against tension in spring 128 for retracting the pin end 125' from hole 124. Holes 129 are provided near the bottom edges of plates 20 and 21 'for receiving pin ends 125' when the link 82 along with shaft 84 is pivoted underneath the assembly in the collapsed position thereof. Similar locking assemblies are provided on the leg portions of link 82 to engage in holes in plates20, 2 1.

Bolts 122 further support two rectangular U-shaped clamp jaws 140. Clamping screws 142 are engaged rotatably in the jaws and are turned by handles 144 for applying flanges 146 carried by the screws to the inner side of the boat transom T. The bights 147 of the jaws overlay the upper edge of the transom. The inner sides of the bights can be lined with resilient blocks 148 secured to the bights to prevent marring the upper edge of the transom when the rear end of the assembly 10 rests on the transom.

The assembly is provided with a seat 150 including a rectangular horizontal frame section 152 having a front bar 153, rear bar 154 and side bars 155; see FIG. 2. This frame rests on the upper sides of bar flanges 25. A short cross plate is secured by bolts 162 to rear bar 154 and underlays the flanges 25. The rear ends of bars 155 have upwardly extending flanges 163'. The seat has a vertical rectangular frame section 174 with side bars 175; pivotally secured at their lower ends by pins 176 to flanges 163. A back rest 178 is secured across the upper end of frame section 174. A removable resilient seat cushion 180 is supported on horizontal frame section 152.

The seat 150 is slidable along the bars 18 of frame section 14. The seat is locked at any selected position by two: laterally movable lock bars 184 pivotally mounted on bolts 162 bet-ween plate 160; and bar 154. Grooves 186 are formed in inner edges of bars :184. A wedge shaped lock plate 188 is slidably engaged in these grooves and is held by a coil spring 190' secured between a pin 191 on the plate 188 and a pin 192 mountedto plate 160. A hole 193 in plate 188 serves as -a hand grip for pulling the plate 188 slightly from bars 184. This permits the bars 184 to pivot on bolts 162 for disengagement of their rounded ends from notches 24-. When the bars 184 are so disengaged the seat 150 can be moved forwardly or rearwardly and then the lock plate 188 can be released to retract fully in between the bars 184. This will spread the bars laterally and engage their ends 185 in the selected notches where the seat may then be located.

The manner of installation of the assembly 10 in extended operative position will be readily apparent from inspection of FIG. 1. Legs 42 rest on the bottom BT of the boat. Legs 75 rest on seat S. Clamping jaws 140 rest on the transom or stern S of the boat. The upper end 86 of shaft 84 extends vertically into the water and lower end 85 is axially horizontal so that the propellers rotate on a vertical plane. The rudder 90 is then vertical. Pin 125 locks the link 82 in a horizontal position and sleeve 80 is held axially vertical. Seat section 174 is vertical and lever 112 is also vertical. The pedals 48 are in position for turning by leg movement-s operation of the operator who sits on seat cushion 188. The boat is readily propelled forwardly and rearwardly by turning of the pedal cranks 58 in one direction or the other. The boat is steered or turned by knee or thigh movements of the operator against levers 110 and 112.

The entire assembly can be easily collapsed for storage in a compact condition. FIG. 3 shows the assembly partially collapsed. The vertical back section 174 of the seat is pivoted forwardly to a horizontal position over the seat cushion 180'. The lever 112 is turned rearwardly and overlays the horizontal lever 110 at the front of frame section 14. The rear section 16 of the frame is pivoted rearwardly and the gear box 32 overlays the seat section 174. The pedals and pedal cranks 50 are turned to a horizontal position. The legs 42 are turned clockwise from their position of FIG. 1 tounderlay the bottom part of the gear box. Then when the frame section 16 is turned back over the collapsed seat 150, the legs 42 rest on the gear box in a substantially horizontal. position as shown in FIG. 3.

After the assembly 10 is partially collapsed it can be removed from the boat and collapsing can be completed.

This is done by retracting pin 125 from hole 124. Then :the shaft 84 is turned to a horizontal position as shown in FIG. 4. to place its end portion 85 and rudder 9t horizontally.

In addition the shaft 84 is rotated axially Pin 125 will then be engaged in hole 129 in plate 20.

The assembly is now completely collapsed and can easily be carried to a storage place or to another boat. operator can insert his arms through the space SP be- The embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications may be made Within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent 1. A combined propeller and drive assembly for a boat having a substantially vertical transom, a horizontal bottom and a horizontal seat spaced from the transom, said assembly comprising an elongated frame having front and rear generally rectangular horizontal frame sections pivotally attached to each other, first legs pivotally attachedto the front free end of the front frame section for resting on the bottom of the boat, said rear section having a plurality of leg supports at its sides for receiving .short other legs to rest on said seat, and clamping jaws on the rear end of said rear section engageable over said transom, whereby the frame is collapsible with the front frame section overlaying the rear frame section, and with the front legs overlaying part of the front frame section, a'pedal assembly carried by said front frame section, said pedal assembly including rotatable cranks carrying pedals,

-a link pivotally connected to the rear end of said rear aframe section, a hollow shaft rotatably supported at one -.end thereofxby said link, propeller vanes rotatably mount- .ed at the other end of said hollow shaft, a flexible cable v.connected at one endto said vanes, said cable extending through said. hollow shaft and terminating at said pedal assembly, whereby turning of said pedal cranks turns said cable and said propeller vanes for moving the boat .in water, and whereby said hollow shaft and vanes are pivotal to a position underneath said rear frame section when the frame is removed from the boat, and spring biased locking means carried by said link and engageable with the rear end of the rear frame section for locking the link and hollow shaft in two positions respectively perpendicular and parallel to the plane of said rear frame section.

2. A combined propeller and drive assembly for a boat having a substantially vertical transom, a horizontal bottom and a horizontal seat spaced from the transom,

's'aid assembly comprising an elongated frame having front and rear generally rectangular horizontal frame sections pivotally attached to each other, first legs pivotally attached to the front free end of the front frame section for resting on the bottom of the boat, said rear section having a plurality of leg supports at its sides for receiving short other legs to rest on said seat, and clamping jaws von the rear end of said rear section engageable over said transom, whereby the frame is collapsible with the front frame section overlaying the rear frame section, and with the front legs overlaying part of the front frame section, a pedal assembly carried by said front frame section, said pedal assembly including rotatable cranks carrying pedals, a link pivotally connected to the rear end of said rear frame section, a hollow shaft rotatably supported at one end thereof by said link, propeller vanes rotatably mounted at the other end of said hollow shaft, a flexible cable connected at one end to said vanes, said cable extending through said hollow shaft and terminating at said pedal assembly, whereby turning of said pedal cranks turns said cable and said propeller vanes for moving the boat in water, and whereby said hollow shaft and vanes are pivotal to a position underneath said rear frame section when the frame is removed from the boat, a seat movably mounted on said rear frame section, and spring biased locking means at said seat for locking the seat in any one of a plurality of positions on the rear frame section, whereby the seat is adjustably positioned with respect to the pedal assembly.

3. A combined propeller and drive assembly for a boat having a substantially vertical transom, a horizontal bottom and a horizontal seat spaced from the transom, said assembly comprising an elongated frame having front and rear generally rectangular horizontal frame sections pivotally attached to each other, first legs pivotally attached to the front free end of the front frame section for resting on the bottom of the boat, said rear section having a plurality of leg supports at its sides for receiving short other legs to rest on said seat, and clamping jaws on the rear end of said rear section engageable over said transom, whereby the frame is collapsible with the front frame section overlaying the rear frame section, and with the front legs overlaying part of the front frame section, a pedal assembly carried by said front frame section, said pedal assembly including rotatable cranks carrying I pedals, a link pivotally connected to the rear end of said rear frame section, a hollow shaft rotatably supported at one end thereof by said link, propeller vanes rotatably mounted at the other end of said hollow shaft, a flexible cable connected at one end to said vanes, said cable extending through said hollow shaft and terminating at said pedal assembly, whereby turning of said pedal cranks turns said cable and said propeller vanes for moving the boat in water, and whereby said hollow shaft and vanes are pivotal to a position underneath said rear frame section when the frame is removed from the boat, and spring biased locking means carried by said link and engageable with the rear end of the rear frame section for locking the link and hollow shaft in two positions respectively perpendicular and parallel to the plane of said rear frame section, a seat movably mounted on said rear frame section, and spring biased locking means at said seat for locking the seat in any one of a plurality of positions on the rear frame section, whereby the seat is adjustably p0- sitioned with respect to the pedal assembly.

4. A combined propeller and drive assembly for a boat having a substantially vertical transom, a horizontal bottom and a horizontal seat spaced from the transom, said assembly comprising an elongated frame having front and rear generally rectangular horizontal frame sections pivotally attached to each other, first legs pivotally attached to the front free end of the front frame section for resting on the bottom of the boat, said rear section having a plurality of leg supports at its sides for receiving short other legs to rest on said seat, and clamping jaws on the rear end of said rear section engageable over said transom, whereby the frame is collapsible with the front frame section overlaying the rear frame section, and with the front legs overlaying part of the front frame section, a pedal assembly carried by said front frame section, said pedal assembly including rotatable cranks carrying pedals, a link pivotally connected to the rear end of said rear frame section, a hollow shaft frame section, a pedal assembly carried by said front propeller vanes rotatably mounted at the other end of said hollow shaft, a flexible cable connected at one end to said vanes, said cable extending through said hollow shaft and terminating at said pedal assembly, whereby turning of said pedal cranks turns said cable and said propeller vanes for moving the boat in water, and whereby said hollow shaft and vanes are pivotal to a position underneath said rear frame section when the frame is removed from the boat, a rudder mounted on said hollow shaft, a laterally movable vertical lever mounted at the forward end of said front frame section rearwardly of said pedal assembly, and "another flexible cable operatively connected to said lever and operatively engaged with said hollow shaft for turning the hollow shaft and rudder when the lever is moved laterally to steer the boat, said vertical lever being pivotally mounted to tilt rearwa'rdly and assume a horizontal position on the front frame section when the frame is collapsed 5. A combined propeller and drive assembly for a boat having a substantially vertical transom, a horizontal bottom and a horizontal seat spaced from the transom, said assembly comprising an elongated frame having front and rear generally rectangular horizontal frame sections pivotally attached to each other, first legs pivotally attached to the front free end 'of the front frame section for resting on the bottom of the boat, said rear section having a plurality of leg supports at its sides for receiving short other legs to rest on said seat, and clamping jaws on the rear-end of said rear section engageable over said transom, whereby the frame is collapsible with the front frame section overlaying the rear frame sec tion, and with the front legs overlaying part of the front frame section, a pedal assembly carried by said front frame section, said pedal assembly in'cluding rotatable cranks carrying pedals, a link pivotally connected to the rear end of said rear frame section, a hollow shaft rotatably supported at one end thereof by said link, propeller vanes rotatably mounted at the other end of said hollow shaft, a flexible cable connected at one end to said vanes, said cable extending through said hollow shaft and terminating at said pedal assembly, whereby turning of said pedal cranks turns said cable and said propeller vanes for moving the boat in water, and whereby said hollow shaft and vanes are pivotal to a position underneath said rear frame section when the frame is removed from the boat, "and spring biased locking means carried by said link and engageable with the rear end of the rear frame section for locking the link and hollow shaft in two positions respect -ively perpendicular and parallel to the place of said rear frame section, a rudder mounted on said hollow shaft, a laterally movable vertical lever mounted at the for- Ward end of said front frame section rearwardly of said pedal assembly, and another flexible cable operatively connected to said lever and operatively engaged with said hollow shaft for turning the hollow shaft and rudder when the lever is moved laterally to steer the boat, said vertical lever being pivotally mounted to tilt rearwardly and assome a horizontal position on the front frame section when the frame is collapsed.

6. A combined propeller and drive assembly for a boat having a substantially vertical transom, a horizontal bottom and a horizontal seat spaced from the transom, said assembly comprising an elongated frame having front and rear generally rectangular horizontal frame sections pivotally attached to each other, first legs pivotally attached to the front free end of the front frame section for resting on the bottom of the boat, said rear section having a plurality of leg supports at its sides for receiving short other legs to rest on said seat, and clamping jaws on the rear end of said rear section engageable over said transom, whereby the frame is collapsible with the front frame section overlaying the rear frame section, and with the front legs overlaying part of the front frame section, a pedal assembly carried by said front frame section, said pedal assembly including rotatable cranks carrying pedals, a link pivotally connected to the rear end of said rear frame section, a hollow shaft rotatably supported at one end thereof by said link, propeller vanes rotatably mounted at the ot er end of sa d hollow shaft, a flexible cable con.-

nected at one end to said vanes, said cable extending through said hollow shaft and terminating at said pedal assembly, whereby turning of said pedal cranks turns said cable and said propeller vanes for moving the boat in water, and whereby said hollow shaft and vanes are pivotal to a position underneath said rear frame section when the frame is removed from the boat, and spring biased locking means carried by said link and engageable with the rear end of the rear frame section for locking the link and hollow shaft in two positions respectively perpendicular and parallel to the plane of said rear frame section, a seat movably mounted on said rear frame section, and s ring biased locking means at said seat for locking the seat in any one of a plurality of positions on the rear rame section, whereby the seat is adjustably positioned with respect to the pedal assembly, said seat having a horizontal seat section slidably mounted on said rear frame section and a vertical back rest. pivotally mounted on the horizontal seat section, said back rest pivoting forwardly over "the horizontal seat section while the front frame section pivots over the back rest when the frame is collapsed.

7. A combined propeller and drive assembly for a'boat having a substantially vertical transom, a horizontal bottom and a horizontal seat spaced from the transom, said assembly comprising an elongated frame having front and rear generally rectangular horizontal frame sections piv-' otally attached to each other, first legs pivotally attached to the front free end of the front frame section for resting on the bottom of the boat, said rear section having a plurality of leg supports at its sides for receiving short other legs to rest on said seat, and clamping jaws on the rear end of said rear section engageable over said transom, whereby the frame is collapsible with the front frame section overlaying the rear frame section, and with the front legs overlaying part of the front frame section, a pedal assembly carried by said front frame section, said pedal assembly including rotatable cranks carrying pedals, a link pivotally connected to the rear end of said rear frame section, a hollow shaft rotatably supported at one end thereof by said link, propeller vanes rotatably mounted at the other end of said hollow shaft, a flexible cable connected at one end to said van'e's, said cable extending through said hollow shaft and terminating at said pedal assembly, whereby turning of said pedal cranks turns said cable and said propeller vanes for moving the boat in water, and whereby said hollow shaftand vanes are pivotal to a position underneath said rear frame section when the frame is removed from the boat, a seat movably mounted on said rear frame section, and spring biased locking means at said seat for locking the seat in any one of a, plurality of positions on the rear frame section, whereby the seat is adjustably positioned with respect to the pedal assembly, a rudder mounted on said hollow shaft, a laterally movable vertical lever mounted at the forward end of said front frame section "rearwardly of said pedal assembly, and another flexible cable operatively connected to said lever and operatively engaged with said hollow shaft for turning the hollow shaft and rudder when the lever is moved laterally to steer the boat, said vertical lever being pivo'tally mounted to tilt rearwardly and assume a horizontal position on the front frame section when the frame is collapsed, said seat having a horizontal seat section slidably mounted on said rear frame section and a vertical back rest pivotally mounted on the horizontal seat section, said back rest pivoting for-wardly over the horizontal seat section while the front frame section pivots over the back rest when the frame is collapsed.

No references cited.

MILTON BUCHLER, Primary Examiner.

ANDREW H. FARRELL, Examiner. 

1. A COMBINED PROPELLER AND DRIVE ASSEMBLY FOR A BOAT HAVING A SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICAL TRANSOM, A HORIZONTAL BOTTOM AND A HORIZONTAL SEAT SPACED FROM THE TRANSOM, SAID ASSEMBLY COMPRISING AN ELONGATED FRAME HAVING FRONT AND REAR GENERALLY RECTANGULAR HORIZONTAL FRAME SECTIONS PIVOTALLY ATTACHED TO EACH OTHER, FIRST LEGS PIVOTALLY ATTACHED TO THE FRONT FREE END OF THE FRONT FRAME SECTION FOR RESTING ON THE BOTTOM OF THE BOAT, SAID REAR SECTION HAVING A PLURALITY OF LEG SUPPORTS AT ITS SIDES FOR RECEIVING SHORT OTHER LEGS TO REST ON SAID SEAT, AND CLAMPING JAWS ON THE REAR END OF SAID REAR SECTION ENGAGEABLE OVER SAID TRANSOM, WHEREBY THE FRAME IS COLLAPSIBLE WITH THE FRONT FRAME SECTION OVERLAYING THE REAR FRAME SECTION, AND WITH THE FRONT LEGS OVERLAYING PART OF THE FRONT FRAME SECTION, A PEDAL ASSEMBLY CARRIED BY SAID FRONT FRAME SECTION, SAID PEDAL ASSEMBLY INCLUDING ROTATABLE CRANKS CARRYING PEDALS, A LINK PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO THE REAR END OF SAID REAR FRAME SECTION, A HOLLOW SHAFT ROTATABLY SUPPORTED AT ONE END THEREOF BY SAID LINK, PROPELLER VANES ROTATABLY MOUNTED AT THE OTHER END OF SAID HOLLOW SHAFT, A FLEXIBLE CABLE CONNECTED AT ONE END TO SAID VANES, SAID CABLE EXTENDING THROUGH SAID HOLLOW SHAFT AND TERMINATING AT SAID PEDAL ASSEMBLY, WHEREBY TURNING OF SAID PEDAL CRANKS TURNS SAID CABLE AND SAID PROPELLER VANES FOR MOVING THE BOAT IN WATER, AND WHEREBY SAID HOLLOW SHAFT AND VANES ARE PIVOTAL TO A POSITION UNDERNEATH SAID REAR FRAME SECTION WHEN THE FRAME IS REMOVED FROM THE BOAT, AND SPRING BIASED LOCKING MEANS CARRIED BY SAID LINK AND ENGAGEABLE WITH THE REAR END OF THE REAR FRAME SECTION FOR LOCKING THE LINK AND HOLLOW SHAFT IN TWO POSITIONS RESPECTIVELY PERPENDICULAR AND PARALLEL TO THE PLANE OF SAID REAR FRAME SECTION. 